Multiple Bomb Threats Sent to State Offices over Euthanized Pet Squirrel
The outrage over Peanut the squirrel has hit a boiling point, with bomb threats being called to several state agencies.
It seems Peanut is the new Harambe. Both animals sparked global outrage after their deaths.
Over the weekend, word spread that a pet squirrel was seized and put down by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Read More: NY DEC Sparks International Outrage for Euthanizing Pet Squirrel
Peanut had been the pet of Mark Longo and his wife Daniela Longo for about 7 years, and went on to become a social media star.
The squirrel got dressed up in costumes and did adorable squirrely things that earned him nearly a million followers on Instagram.
Then the DEC raided the Longo's home in Pine City and seized both Peanut and a raccoon named Fred; claiming they received complaints about the animals.
Both animals were later euthanized to be tested for rabies.
While it is illegal to own a wild animal as a pet in New York, people across the globe felt the DEC overreacted and was out of line.
While several New York lawmakers called the raid a waste of taxpayer dollars and government overreach, others felt the DEC had to pay for its supposed crimes.
Bomb Threats Sent to Several NY DEC Offices
A dozen New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offices received bomb threats over a span of 48 hours, with the last one made on Tuesday.
The targeted DEC offices include Allegany, Bath, Buffalo, Cortlandville, Elmira, New Paltz, New York City, Sherbourne, Stamford, Stony Brook, Syracuse and Tarrytown, according to USA Today.
DEC workers were given permission to work remotely from their homes and all offices were swept for explosives. All threats were later deemed "non-credible," but the investigations are continuing,
Mayor Kathy Hochul condemned the "outrageous threats of violence" in a statement and thanked State Police for their quick work.
At this time, it is unknown who made the threats.
State Lawmakers Introduce Legislation on Behalf of Peanut
New York State Assemblymen Jake Blumencranz and Matt Simpson co-sponsored "Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act," which they say will ensure an embarrassing incident like this will never happen again.
The legislation would make changes to state law about seizing sanctuary animals.
However, the politicals claim Governor Kathy Hochul has little interest in the legislation and likely won't pursue it.
Witch Hunt Continues for The People Who Narced on Peanut
Even Peanut's owner wants to find out who sicced the state on his precious squirrel. He believes the guilty party was jealous of Peanut, because the squirrel was raking in some big bucks on social media.
Apparently, some micro-influencers hate the fact a rodent was making more money than them.
Still, no one has been identified as the person who caused Peanut's demise.
Until official word is made, Townsquare Media will continue to not name individuals believed to have played a role in turning in Peanut and Fred.
This report will be updated should identities be confirmed.
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